Occult Malignancy in Adult Tonsillectomy for Benign Indication.

Objective: National pathology guidelines recommend full pathologic analysis for all adult tonsillectomy specimens. We evaluated the available data on occult malignancy in adult tonsillectomy for benign indication, and created a screening system to reduce the risk of missed malignancies if routine histopathologic examination were to be discontinued.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review and systematic review of the literature.

Medical and surgical treatment of peritonsillar, retropharyngeal, and parapharyngeal abscesses.

Peritonsillar, retropharyngeal, and parapharyngeal abscesses are the most common deep cervical fascial space infections. Most develop secondary to an oropharyngeal or dental infection. Additional factors such as smoking and periodontal disease may also contribute to the formation of a peritonsillar abscess.